Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves; Aurangabad

If there’s one place in Maharashtra that makes your jaw drop (and stay that way), it’s the Ellora Caves. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest rock-cut cave complexes in the world.

Wondering who built Ellora caves? Let’s find out

Imagine carving temples and monasteries straight out of a mountain. Did I mention they were all carved by hand over 1,500 years ago. That’s Ellora. This complex includes 34 caves, built between the 6th and 10th centuries. They represent three religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

The highlight of the Ellora caves is Cave 16; The Kailasa Temple. It is the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world. It’s carved top-down from a single rock and is bigger than the Parthenon in Athens.

What to Explore

  • Caves 1–12 (Buddhist): Simple, serene, and meditative, with carvings of Buddha and bodhisattvas. Look out for Cave 10 has a “Carpenter’s Cave” that has a ribbed ceiling that looks just like wooden beams.
  • Caves 13–29 (Hindu): These are more dramatic and elaborate. Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) is the star with intricate sculptures, towering pillars, and elephant guardians. It’s not just a temple. It’s engineering genius.
  • Caves 30–34 (Jain): These caves are smaller but incredibly detailed, with beautiful carvings and peaceful vibes.
Elephants statues Ellora Caves
Ancient Carvings on Caves walls

Ellora Caves Timings

  • October to March is ideal – cooler weather, less humidity, and better light for photography.
  • Open Tuesday to Sunday, 6 AM to 6 PM. Closed Mondays.

Tickets

  • ₹40 for Indian citizens, ₹600 for foreign tourists.
  • Free for children under 15.
  • Photography is allowed (and encouraged!)

Where are Ellora caves?

The Ellora Caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, specifically in the Aurangabad district. They are situated about 29-30 kilometers northwest of the city of Aurangabad at a latitude and Longitude of 20.0267844 and 75.1770869.

Address: Verul, Maharashtra 431102

Travel Tips

  • Get there early (around 8 AM) to beat the heat and crowds.
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes — it’s a lot of walking and stone steps.
  • Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat.
  • Don’t rush! Even 2–3 hours might feel short. You could even consider splitting your visit into two sessions.

This collection of beautiful jaw dropping caves is certainly a sight to see, especially if you are a photography fan. Visiting Ellora caves could be a lovely bonding family activity or the perfect romantic getaway. Plan your trip here now!